Holidays at Disneyland 2017 – Everything You Need to Know

What’s more magical than Halloween Time at Disneyland? I dare say Holidays at Disneyland. Imagine the already understood magic of the park with gingerbread smells piped in, amazing decor everywhere and holiday music playing. It’s almost too much for me and I cry every visit.

So, I cry often at Disneyland…..that’s not entirely groundbreaking. But, the holiday celebration at the park is fantastic and something everyone should see at least once. There’s so much involved.

Latest News & Things You Need to Know

Get Away Today extended their lowest price of the season ticket sale! Check for that info at this link.

Holidays at Disneyland merchandise has arrived! Check this link to see it all. A week prior to official opening on the 10th, Disneyland was already looking festive. Check that out at this link.

New this year! it’s a small world Holiday will offer FASTPASSES. I’ll take photos of exactly where to find the distribution machines this coming Saturday and will adjust the Disneyland strategy to incorporate this addition asap so that you’re prepared for the season.

Thanksgiving Day dining at the Disneyland Resort info was just released. Check out this link for all the details. (No Annual Pass discounts on this event.)

I’ll update this post as information becomes available for the 2017 Holidays at Disneyland season. Find me on Facebook for updates as they are released.

An Overview

From November 10, 2017 until January 7, 2018, the park transforms. Beautiful holiday decor adorns every part of the park possible. A 60 foot Christmas tree compliments Main Street with 70,000 lights and 2,000 custom made ornaments. A 50 foot Christmas tree sits on Buena Vista Street in California Adventure.

Disneyland Resort is open 365 days a year, so count on a Christmas visit if you wish, but know the parks will be super crowded.

Both parks have tree lighting ceremonies at around 5pm every day. Carolers walk the parks with hand bells, singing classic tunes, while the trees come to life. It’s a fun event to see if you’re close by.

As always, check the entertainment schedule prior to visiting for specifics on each day’s events and times for Holidays at Disneyland.

Attractions

Three attractions are completely redesigned for the holidays. They’re limited time. Check them out:

it’s a small world holiday – Hear the iconic song from the original ride along with a holiday medley, as this ride transforms into a holiday treat. The outside is as amazing as the inside. Every 15 minutes, a holiday projection show will light up the exterior of the attraction for a short show, just lasting a few moments. It’s a site to see. Don’t miss it.

Haunted Mansion Holiday – Jack Skellington and friends celebrate Halloween and Christmas all wrapped into one. Don’t miss the gingerbread house in the main parlor and be sure to notice the fresh baked smells, too.

Jingle Cruise – This is the fourth year for the newly adapted Jingle Cruise, which adds some holiday cheer to the silly boat ride already loved for ages. Skippers adorn their boats with holiday lights and decor sent in from loved ones at home. This attraction continues to improve, so don’t miss it. (Disney confirmed the Jingle Cruise is docked for 2017.)

Snow

It snows three times each evening at Disneyland. Those times are:

6:00pm – for the first official Sleeping Beauty Castle lighting

7:30pm – for the second castle lighting (lights will dim just before)

After fireworks

For the first two events (at the castle lightings), you’ll find snow only near the castle. For the snow after fireworks, you’ll find it at the castle, near it’s a small world, and near the Rivers of America. All three of those areas are recommended for viewing fireworks, as projections will accompany the show along with snow falling at the end.

Note: I recommend – at any time of the year – watching fireworks as soon as possible during your Disneyland visit. The show sometimes gets cancelled due to high winds, so don’t save watching fireworks for your last night there.

Food

There are holiday treats around the park and you won’t have any trouble finding them. This post shares everything you need to know from Disney.

Jolly Holiday Bakery – The Jolly Holiday Bakery is always one of my favorite stops for dining in general, but their sweet treats during the holidays, including gingerbread men, are so delicious. Be sure to stop there for a bite to eat.

DCA is hosting the biggest party of holiday food this year – Festival of Holidays – with huts set up along the parade route (formerly used near the holiday ice rink and at the Food and Wine Festival). Check out all of those options before visiting. You can find menus for each booth before arriving. I’ll be trying some during my weekly visits, too. Follow me on Facebook to see those.

Thanksgiving options (2017) are plentiful this year. Check out the details from the Disney Parks Blog.

Candy Canes

***2017 dates are here! Visit my full post for everything you need to know.

Candy Canes can be found at The Candy Palace (Disneyland) and Trolley Treats (California Adventure). They are serious business, friends. People line up at each candy shop at park opening to receive a special wrist band entitling them to a single candy cane. Take a look at my full candy cane post for lots of information.

The batch time (to pick up the cane) will be given to you when you receive your wrist band and then you must return by the batch time you are given to gather your candy cane, or it will be made available to someone in the standby line.

The park only makes a limited amount each day and the canes weigh in at about 5 ounces, so these are popular items and people know to look for them. If you’re interested, get in line at the appropriate candy shop as soon as the park opens. Wrist bands are typically not given out during extra magic hour or magic morning, so everyone gets a fair chance. (Most dates avoid EMH all together.)

The Disneyland Candy Hotline can be reached for more info on the candy canes and what will be baked each day: (714) 781-0112.

Each cane is $12.99 and annual pass discounts are not applicable.

You will only find the canes at these parks, on the dates listed within this post. Typically, Disneyland candy canes draw a bigger crowd. And, many people think that a candy cane from DLR tastes different from one at DCA.

Dates for 2017 are as follows.

Candy Palace at Disneyland:

November 24, 29; December 1, 4, 6, 8, 11, 13, 15, 18, 20, 24

Trolley Treats at California Adventure:

November 25, 28; December 2, 5, 7, 9, 12, 14, 16, 19, 21, 25

Here is how to get your candy cane:

*Line up at LEAST an hour prior to park opening to have a shot at getting one of the wrist bands. Go DIRECTLY to the candy shop to get in line. People will literally be running. You are technically not allowed to run in the park, so be there early enough to not have to break the rules. Walk fast.

*Don’t get out of line if it looks like you might be too late. Often, they’ll make more than advertising. Even if a cast member tells you that “from this far back, you’ll likely not receive a band”, stay in line. This happened to us and we received bands.

*Be careful once you receive your cane and put it in your locker if you have one. They’re very fragile and will not be replaced if broken.

Here is what the line looks like at Disneyland. I arrived at 7:00am to wait outside the gates. They let us in at about 7:45am. Went straight in line – didn’t run – and this is what was ahead of me.

And, here was the line behind me!

Now, this was opening day for 2016. So, subsequent visits shouldn’t look exactly like this. Lots of people show up for the first day.

Here is what your wrist band will look like if you’re lucky enough to get one. Each person in line may get 1. You also cannot hold places for others to join you in line. If you walk up to meet your party, you’ll be asked to go to the end of the line.

By the time I got to the front of the line, it was about 7:53am. And, the star on my wrist band notes that I can go immediately to get my candy cane. Not far behind me, other guests started to get wrist bands with 9:00am, 10:00am, etc…….return times.

Candy Cane makers!

Look for this large candy cane upon returning to know where to line up to get yours at either Candy Palace or Trolley Treats:

The final product:

What’s all the fuss about? This is a time honored tradition with some candy makers creating them for more than 35 years. Disneyland is super rich in history and tradition and the candy cane making each year is a perfect example of that. They’re more than just a super delicious candy cane. They’re part of the park’s deep commitment to tradition.

Take a look at how the candy making process works here:

Finally, don’t miss your chance to look like a fool in the middle of Main Street like me:

Special Events

Disney Viva Navidad (featuring Three Kings Day Celebration) – At California Adventure, Latino music, dance lessons, festivities, delicious food and more make this part of DCA a ton of fun.

Festival of Holidays – This fun event that started in 2016 is returning and I love it! Enjoy cultural food dishes, celebrate holidays from around the world, see exciting entertainment, shop for goodies and more. Check out this link for all you need to know about the 2017 Annual Passholder lanyard for purchase, what all the festival includes and more.

Holiday Time at Disneyland Tour – For $85, enjoy a tour through the park while learning information on holiday celebrations from years past, ride holiday attractions, see a parade and enjoy yummy treats. Note: I enjoyed this tour in 2016 and was told this year’s version is similar. Check out my full review.

Santa Claus

There are two options to meet Santa at the Disneyland Resort between November 10, 2017 and December 24, 2017. Both visits are free and should have PhotoPass photographers on site to take your picture professionally, in addition to snapping a photo with your phone or camera if you wish.

From 12.26.2017 – 1.1.2018, you can see Santa Goofy in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail area in DCA instead of Santa Claus.

***New this year in 2017: Santa will be at both parks, however, your chances of meeting him at DCA are much greater than at Disneyland. He will be “mingling” with guests at Disneyland this season, so your essential Santa photo might be a little more difficult to achieve there. I recommend seeing him at DCA instead.

I’m a huge fan of PhotoPass+ and encourage you to read up on what it offers because the images taken with Santa will be available with your others if you purchase the pass. If you do not purchase PhotoPass+, you can still use the (free) PhotoPass card to purchase a print out of your image at the Main Street Photo Supply Company in Disneyland. Or, simply purchase MaxPass to get all of the images from this encounter and everything else throughout your visit. All PhotoPass privileges are included in your $10 a day MaxPass purchase.

Check your entertainment schedule for timing for Santa, but most are there for the majority of the day.1. You can see Santa in Disneyland in Critter Country at a sweet country setting, as you were able to in 2015. The line is typically longer here than your other option, but the pictures are cute.

2. Santa at DCA can be found in the Redwood Creek Challenge Trail. This set up far exceeded my expectations. You can see Santa here, find other characters photo ops, play Elf Games throughout the trail, sign Santa’s Nice List and more. I recommend this option over Disneyland and will post photos as soon as my kids see him here.

Santa meets guests from around 4:30pm to 8:30pm, with small breaks throughout. The Santa meet ups at the DLR Hotels are open to everyone. You don’t have to be staying at the hotel. PhotoPass+ photographers are typically on site, so don’t forget to take advantage if you bought a package.

Times will increase mid-December to see more children before Santa heads back to the North Pole.

Carolers also walk the lobby of the Grand Californian singing traditional holiday songs from around 4:30pm to 8:30pm. Love them!

Check out what Santa looks like in each location.

The Disneyland Hotel – perfectly retro, just like the hotel:

The Grand Californian Hotel – traditional with such a beautiful tree behind him:

Holidays Pearls in the Park

This fun party is held for Disneyland Daily readers and everyone is welcome! Please join us. Take a look at this post for all the details on what you can expect, what you can win, which hotel is discounted for the event, and more!

It’s such a fantastic group of people getting together to celebrate the holidays. Stay with us at the hotel for 1,2,3, or 4 nights or simply attend the party.

Shows, Parades, Fireworks, and Hotels

World of Color – Season of Light – The always popular show brings a holiday twist with so much to see and a new version is arriving for the 2016 holiday season. Be sure to read up on FASTPASSES and how you can get one to secure a spot in the reserved viewing area. The show, according to Disney, will entertain you by “celebrating the warm and heartfelt spirit of the holidays. ‘World of Color – Season of Light’ will take guests through a sparkling winter fantasy, combining classic holiday songs with memorable moments from treasured Disney animated films to create an experience filled with magic.”

A Christmas Fantasy Parade – This is one of my absolute favorite parts of Holidays at Disneyland. The skating reindeer! The snowmen! The gingerbread men! I could write an entire post on how great this parade is. Do. Not. Miss. It.

My favorite place to watch this parade is from Town Square, which is the section at the front of the park between the Main Street Railroad Station and Main Street.

I recommend watching the second parade (around 3:30pm each day) if possible, as the earlier one (around 1:00pm) is often rather warm since it’s mid-day. Kids are often melting down at that point, too, due to missed nap times.

Grab a spot between 2:45pm and 3:00pm anywhere in Town Square. Then, stick around for the flag retreat ceremony just after the parade ends. That’s usually around 4:15pm. And, finally, at 5:00pm, the tree lighting occurs nearby, too, at the beginning of Main Street. So, from 3:30pm – 5:00pm, you get to see 3 important events all from one great vantage point.

Candlelight Procession – This event will happen December 2 and 3 in 2017. These are beautiful shows held at the Disneyland Train Station in Town Square and is invite-only with only a few spots left for those willing to camp out HOURS prior – if not the day before – to be part of it. Disneyland is also very hush-hush about how all of this comes together, who is invited and how to become part of it.

Start at DCA, an hour prior to official park opening, and follow this plan to get the key rides done there and then move over to Disneyland by around 11:00am. NYE is always a risk for the park closing for capacity, so if you want to end the day there, you will likely need to tough through the mid-day crowds I typically suggest you avoid.

There are two fireworks shows that evening, weather permitting. Do NOT destroy your day saving a spot for these shows. First, cast members won’t allow guests camping out all day for shows now, so you’ll be asked to keep moving if you try to set up. Second, each of these shows is only 5 minutes long. Fantasy in the Sky is the first fireworks show that ever played at Disneyland in 1958. It’s a cute show, but it’s brief. I recommend you watch them from wherever you are in the parks rather than setting up for them. If you do want to set up and save a spot for one of the shows, I recommend the area near it’s a small world, as it’s less hectic than Main Street and near the castle. The earliest you can save a spot is typically 3 hours prior to showtime. Cast members will be out ready to answer questions during this time. The fireworks at Disneyland occur at 9:00pm and 11:55pm.

If you prefer California Adventure for the end of your day, head over to Paradise Pier for one of three countdowns on the water. They occur at 9:00pm, 10:15pm, and 11:45pm.

Downtown Disney

There are holiday decorations throughout and each restaurant has decor, too. There will not be a return of the snow rink by Earl of Sandwich. The construction where the rink was in previous years is for the new security check point coming in early 2017.

Catal hosts a darling Breakfast with Santa I mentioned earlier with limited availability. Check out all the details and book soon! I’ll be at the first breakfast this year with my family and will share tons of photos from our visit.

My Suggestions

Do not miss Cars Land. The decor here is so amazing and I’ve heard first hand from Disney execs that it’s one of their most celebrated creations ever. Pay close attention to the garland as you walk in. It’s all fantastic. Santa Mater can also be found just outside the Cozy Cone Motel.

See the tree lighting each day in each park around 5pm.

See the castle lighting with snow each night at 6:00pm, 7:30pm and then again with fireworks. Ask a cast member to confirm times for your visit, as sometimes these vary.

See a brief, 3 minute projection show, at it’s a small world every 15 minutes and until close, starting at 5:15pm each evening.

Choose Santa at California Adventure over Disneyland for both design and less wait time.

Absolutely do not miss the Christmas parade. Make time for this and schedule your day around it. Grab the entertainment guide on your way in at the turn stiles, so you know how to plan. Choose the late afternoon parade for less sun, as it’s usually quite bright during the earlier parade.

If you have to choose one holiday treat to indulge in, I recommend the beignets at the Mint Julep Bar in New Orleans Square.

Slow down and enjoy the entire park as a whole. We often get so busy at Disneyland that we miss the details. I try to take at least 30 minutes during a visit to grab a coffee, walk alone, take pictures, and soak up all that I would have missed otherwise while corralling children. There’s so much to see. Enjoy!

184 COMMENTS

My husband and I are headed to Disneyland on Dec 30 for one day only. We don’t have magic morning but are planning to be there an hour prior to opening. I’m just wondering what the best plan is for us to follow since we know it will be crazy busy that day. Thank you for all the amazing planning you do! We can’t wait to get there!!

In a hilarious turn of events, we went to the wrong park on the wrong day to get our wrist bands for the candy canes (12/24/17). ?
BUT! On Christmas Day, an hour after CA opened, we walked past Trolley’s Treats and they were still handing out wrist bands! It was a Christmas miracle! We didn’t even have to get to the park early or rush or stress or anything!

Hi Casey,
I’m visiting the parks on New Years Eve and New Years Day. I know it will be crazy busy on those days, but I’m trying to devise a do-able plan to be able to see as much entertainment/shows as possible. Definitely including the special New Years special entertainment. Would you be able to share a plan with me? Thank you so much!

Aloha! Sorry I asked a question a couple of months ago in preparation for our trip and reading responses and other posts got me thinking.

I am planning to be in the parks from December 30-January 3. We would have loved to come in early December but my husband and I are both teachers and need to wait for Christmas Break to visit.

Do you find it necessary to stay all day during the week of Christmas and New Years in order to catch the nighttime entertainment?

To preserve my marriage 😉 and avoid tired and grumpy “nothing-fights” my husband and I usually go early in the day and take a late-afternoon break and come back for nighttime activities. But after looking into it, I’m concerned that we may be denied re-entry into the parks due to crowd capacity. This will be our first Disney Christmas and I have no frame of reference. Any insight is greatly appreciated!

Hope this catches you in time! For busy days like when you’re visiting, check upon leaving for the chance of a closure for capacity. Cast members can’t always share that info, but you might get an idea of how crowded it is by their response.

Also, follow Disneyland Today on Twitter for the best info on park closures and re-entry times.

I typically recommend avoiding the middle of the day with the heavy crowds, but if you are determined to stay through the evening at Disneyland, it’s likely going to be a necessity. Arrive early as you have suggested and get as much done in the early hours as possible. Then, slow down during the chaotic middle part of the day and shop, see a show, dine, etc. You’re more at risk for a capacity closure at the beginning of your trip instead of the end. The 2nd and 3rd will hopefully be a little less crazy.

HI Casey,
I’m planing a last minute trip to Disneyland/DCA for New Years (12/31-1/3).. we’re taking our 10 month old and almost 3 year old, and I’m a little lost.. do you have a kind of check list of all the things I have to consider and plan for? Is our first time there and I want to be prepared!
Thanks!!

Hello, I’m from Brazil and I want to spend the New years Eve at Disneyland. Do you think if I arrive before the park opens i can visit both parks in the same day? I intend to go to Disneyland first and in the afternoon go to California Adventure since this one is not so crowded,isn’t it? Is it a good idea? I’ve been there before and i already did both parks at the same day…

A week upon returning home from our Disneyland trip this summer, my husband and I are decided we needed to plan our first trip to Disneyland for the Christmas season. Unfortunately, the only days we can be in the parks are from December 30 to January 3. We were planning to spread our time out over 5 days since we know crowds will be very heavy. I wanted to book a Character Dining experience at the Plaza Inn during our stay. I was thinking of booking it on New Year’s Eve as a way to kill a couple hours and step away from the madness that morning. Is this a rookie move? Should I book it after the New Year? Should I completely scrap it and save it for another trip?

Hi, Jade. Not a rookie move at all. I love to have dining reservations during days that I know will be busy. Take that opportunity to sit down for and hour and relax. LOVE the Plaza Inn. It’s my favorite! Book the latest timing possible – likely around 10:30am – so that you can take advantage of the earlier hours with lower crowds. This post has lots more info:

I would advise against it. Once the park reaches max capacity, they will not let you re-enter, even if you’ve already been through the gates and have a ticket. Days around Christmas and New Years are the busiest and are known to have reached max capacity within the first few hours of opening.

Hi Casey…might have a chance to visit the first week of winter break…12/18-12/22 not staying on property. We don’t need to do everything as we have been before but am worried it will be too crazy to enjoy. Hoping for holiday magic but have never experienced Christmas at Disneyland. Thoughts? Thanks for all you do!

It’s busy, but so much fun. Don’t let the crowds deter you, especially if you’re already familiar with the parks and don’t have to cross everything off your list. Arrive early, use FASTPASSES, break after lunch and return to stay late. You have my vote. Go for it!

Hi Casey – thank you for this website. I’m a major planner and your site is a GOLD MINE. Do you have a best guess as to the parade and fireworks times for this year’s holidays? I’m trying to make plans like dining reservations and stuff but Disney’s website isn’t showing showtimes yet for any of this stuff…It would be nice if they made it available at the same time as dining reservations! People like me have to plan ahead!!! 🙂

Love your work on the site!!!
I Want your advice…I’m visiting DL for the first time. I’m fron El Salvador in Central America, and I’m traveling from Oct 30 to Nov 11 I was wondering what time Christmas decorations are up, I really wish I could see the park with Christmas decorations.

The decor starts going up just prior to Halloween ending and will be completely finished by the beginning of Holidays at Disneyland, which starts 11.10.2017. So, you’ll see both Halloween and Holidays during your trip. Perfectly planned!

Hello! I just found your blog and I’m loving it! We are planning to take our kids to DL for their first time over Thanksgiving. Amy chance we need different tickets other than the 5-day park hopper tickets that we planned on purchasing? I sent an email via the DL website, but haven’t heard back yet.
. Thank you in advanced from an inexperienced vacationers!

This year we are spending Christmas in DCA (Dec 22-25) and celebrating my 40th birthday which is on Christmas Day. We are looking for a traditional holiday dinner to have on Christmas Day/My birthday in the park. So far, I have decided on The Storytellers Cafe – doesn’t seem too overpriced and I think my family will be happy with the buffet choices. What do you think? Is there a better choice for around the same price point?
By the way, love the blog and now following you on facebook too!!
Thanks for your time!

Hi Casey,
we’re planning a DL vacation for Thanksgiving week 2017.
can you tell me what time(s) a day the Christmas parade is (or typically is)?
will the PTN parade be at CA?
and do the Candy Cane sales start after Thanksgiving?
thanks much!!

If memory serves, the parades are around 1:30pm and 4:30pm. I recommend the later option, as the sun is heavy during that first parade. Also, you can see the 4:30pm parade, stick around for the flag retreat ceremony, and then be right there for the tree lighting on Main Street, which typically happens at 5:30pm. Set up at the top of the steps at the Main Street Railroad Station for an awesome view. I’ll share more on this once Holidays begins this year.

Paint the Night is slated to be at DCA when it returns, but we have no firm date on that yet.

Candy cane sales typically start the day after Thanksgiving. Once the 2017 dates are available, I’ll update this post. I’ll also be there opening day of candy canes to share more. The 2016 dates are in this post for you to reference in case it can help you plan.

Hi there! Thanks for the info. I am trying to decide when to book our family’s next trip– week before Thanksgiving or mid-January. I’ll be very pregnant so I’m considering enjoying the holiday celebrations in November. I love fantasmic and don’t want to miss it, would I need to book to be there on a Friday so I don’t miss it in November or will it be showing during the week (Tuesday-Thursday) since it will be holiday season? Will they tell me if I call Disney directly? Thanks!

Not sure if Disney would be able to tell you quite yet, as the schedule for November isn’t out yet. Disney cast members typically pull from many of the same resources we have as guests. Fantasmic! should be happening in November. Not sure if it will be happening mid-week. With it’s return, we’re all waiting to see how that’s handled. Hope so! Disney’s number is 714.781.4565 in case you want to call. If you find out any info, let us know! Hope you’re feeling great. 🙂

Hi, do you think Fantasmic will run during the week days in December? On the Disneyland Calendar it only runs on the weekends in September and that is as far out as I can see so far. We will be there Monday-Friday in early December and it would be a bummer to miss that show. Also, any idea if there will be a night parade during the holidays this year? Does it only “snow” on main street during fireworks? Or are there other times or locations to see it “snow” too? Thanks so much!!!!!

Hi Casey! I know that we don’t actually have any info on 2017 yet, but I’m doing some pre-planning and had some questions. We went to DLR in January last year to experience Christmas for the first time. It was amazing, but way too cold for us. We’re trying to figure out when to go this year. It sounds like Santa doesn’t show up until after Thanksgiving. Is that true for the tree lighting ceremonies in the parks as well? (All of those things were gone when we went in January, so we don’t want to miss them again.) If we have to go after Thanksgiving, how busy is the first week after? I don’t want to get too late in December and freeze again. Thanks so much for all of your help.

Great info as we plan for 2017. Is there anywhere with more details about new years at Disneyland specifically? We are thinking about going the week of new years but we’ve never been during that time specifically (we have been during the holiday time in general).

I absolutely love your site and it definitely helped me plan our first trip last year with our 3 year old. We are going again this year and were planning on going the week of Thanksgiving because I heard that it is a lot quieter (11/20 – 11/23). After reading your post it sounds like the candy canes and santa don’t really show up until after Thanksgiving. Is that right? Also, do the Christmas parades and entertainment not start until after Thanksgiving too? Thank you for all your help!!

All of Holidays starts the day the season starts, with the exception of the candy canes and Santa. The entertainment (fireworks, parades, decor, ride overlays, etc) starts immediately. Thanksgiving can be quite busy, but you’ll do just fine since you’re preparing. I’ll update this post as more info arrives.

Thank you! We decided to move our trip to the week after Thanksgiving so we don’t miss Santa (my 4 year old would be so sad to miss him) and I would be so sad to miss the candy canes. So happy to have all this information! I appreciate it 🙂

I’ve been following your blog & facebook page for over a year now, patiently waiting until it was time for me to start planning my first trip to DLR. I planned to visit after May 2018, when I graduate college, but I recently was presented with an opportunity to visit THIS December. I am so excited to have the chance to visit during the holiday season and to see all of this extra magic. I am extremely grateful to your wealth of knowledge and have been ravenously reading your blog posts. Thank you for sharing with us and helping to make magic for other people. We appreciate you!

Tiered pricing started earlier 2016. You’ll see the highest pricing during your visit. Arrive before opening so you can get stuff done before the crowds hit. It will be super busy. Capacity could happen by noon. Good luck!

We’ll be visiting on the 25th & 26th of December. I know it will be crowded and will need a good plan. Would you recommend we schedule the Holiday tour to secure the fastpasses and a seat for the parade. We’re traveling with our 6 year old.

Christmas parade is daytime, so choose which you prefer. See the first PTN from near it’s a small world and then stay in the same spot for fireworks. I’m there that day and am doing the Aladdin’s Oasis package that gives you reserved viewing for the parade. Hang out in that spot for fireworks right after. Highly recommend booking that package if you still can. Details here: https://disneylanddaily.com/special-dining-events-with-reserved-seating-for-shows/

Do you mean stay there from 6:30 parade until 9:30 fireworks? That seems like a long time to wait for fireworks. During the 60th when we were there, the parade was at 8:30/8:50 and the fireworks at 9:30. Now there’s a 3 hour delay. I’m trying to figure out our strategy as well, but not sure it’s worth the long wait. Especially since we’re already getting there early for Paint the Night. We’ve never seen the holiday fireworks, so we definitely want to see them. Do you think we could just find a spot closer to 9-9:30? Plus where do you think the best viewing is ISASW or Main Street/castle area? Thanks…your blog is always so helpful!

We will be there the week of Thanksgiving, but have reservations for Aladdin’s Oasis on Nov 22 for the 6:30 parade. Your reviews have been very good, so we are going to try it. I’m just not sure about staying there for the fireworks, which doesn’t start till 9:30. Is that spot worth waiting another 2 plus hours? Thanks!

I see. Sorry for the confusion. Arrive 1.5 hours early for front row of the viewing area…..have one person get in line……then ask the rest to return 20 minutes prior to parade time to get settled in the spot you claim. If you’re not concerned with front row, an hour – 45 minutes suffices to claim your spot. The parade will start at it’s a small world, so watch that and take a break until fireworks. You can return to the same area, but of course, your spot won’t be there. Still, it’s a small world is a lovely place to watch the show because the projections are shown onto the backdrop of the attraction. And, it’s a nice break from the madness of in front of the castle and Main Street. While waiting, enjoy the Single Rider line at the Matterhorn, maybe a Fantasyland ride or two (Pinocchio, Snow White, or Mr. Toad), etc, etc.

Hi Casey! I need a current DCA strategy (4 kids, 2 adults) to meet Santa, Elena, and Elsa and Anna, as well as ride Soarin, Toy Story, and RSR, and see the Frozen show. Help! Thank you for your amazing work ??

Hi Casey, just discovered your very informative website – well done for sharing so much info!
We are travelling from Australia to the US and will have 5 nts in Anaheim (staying at HJ) from Dec 14-19. Our kids are 13(son)&11(daughter). Just wondering if we should buy a 2 or 3 day pass (park hopper?)as we want to also go to Universal & a day shopping. As we won’t arrive at hotel until approx 9.30 am ish after long haul flight on Wed 14th, I’m thinking it’s best day for shopping. Would you suggest 2 or 3 day park-hopper ticket straight days in a row or go one day Disney, then one Universal (front of line pass) & then Disney again? Trying to fit into weekdays but some days will end up on the weekend. Is it best to get tickets through you or our Hotel?

Hi, Wendy. Thank you! I would choose 3 day tickets – hoppers or one park per day to save money – and visit Disneyland for 2 days and California Adventure for 1. Arrival day is best for shopping because that will be your most flexible time. Break up the Disney visits with one to Universal…..but do as many Disney days during the week that you can. I would do Disney on the 15th and 16th, Universal on the 17th and then Disney again on the 18th. If you get a break day in there, save Disney for the 19th and break on the 18th. The least expensive tickets that you will find are through Park Savers with my additional discount. You can find all those details in this post: https://disneylanddaily.com/discounted-disneyland-tickets-that-are-actually-safe-to-purchase/

Hi Casey! Do you know whether Santa is available the whole time the parks are open, or if there are specific hours that the booths are open? Also, any intel on whether Princess Elena will be doing one or multiple grand entrances during the day? Thx, and thx for the advice on doing a Park Hopper for our 1-day visit – defimtitely the right thing to do!

I’ll be looking for Santa this Thursday on my visit and will be sharing photos and times as soon as they’re available. He’s typically there most of the day within each park. Always surprises me how late he stays.

No info on Elena yet. I’ll be looking for that, too. We were told she’d be arriving with the holiday season, which starts on the 10th. Anxious to know more!

Hi Casey-
Thank you for this amazing website. I’m planning my daughter’s first trip to Disneyland for her birthday this December and this site is incredibly valuable in the process.

The Disneyland website hasn’t yet posted times for the parades or WOC but I’m trying to make a couple dining reservations for special seating packages and stuff… can you advise when the parades and WOC (holiday edition) have been in the past holiday seasons on weekdays? Thanks!!

Hi Casey! Thanks for all the info! I got to Disneyland often but I always come back to your site when I’m taking non Disney folks to Disneyland. Question – We going on Dec 3 and saw that the candlelight processional will be happening. What exactly is this? Is it a choir that performs? Will we have to camp out just to watch it?

It’s an invite only event with very limited space for “regular” park guests wanting to attend. People wait all day to get a spot. It’s held at the front of the park at the Main Street RR Station and causes quite a congested area for the two nights it runs. I recommend avoiding the front of the park on these nights. Without committing to waiting all day for a spot, you’re better off focusing elsewhere.

You’re very welcome! I just told my husband a couple days ago that you are doing my dream “job”. I would love to spend the time you do at the parks. One more question – do you happen to know if they will have the ice skating rink downtown again this year?

Do you know when they start and how long it takes for them to take down the Christmas decorations?? we will be visiting in February and just wanted to make sure that It’s a Small World will be open again. We went around the same time last year and it was close (I cant remember if it was for refurbishment or to take down the Christmas lights). Thank you for all your wonderful information!!

it’s a small world is last to go down and stays Christmas until the third week of January. It takes a couple of weeks to transform back to normal. No official dates yet. I’ll keep this post updated as I hear more. Hope that works with your trip!

Casey,
We have been to DLR many times but have never been during the holidays. This year we will be enjoying New Years Eve and Day. We are thinking that with older teens DCA would be better for an older crowd? My husband and I would also like to have a drink or two. Also we have heard that DCA will still have World of Color should it rain? We would then hit DL New Years day. Any advice on this?
BTW thank you for such a great site.

Hi, Stephanie! No way to predict the rain, but it’s rare at Disneyland. I recommend the Dessert Party at DCA for WOC. Book asap – at 60 days out or as soon as Disney allows it – if you’re interested. It would be a great option for your big evening for NYE.

Hi, Casey! I noticed Paint the Night is scheduled to happen the first night we arrive (12/4). Hasn’t there been a dining packing in the past (maybe at Blue Bayou) that includes premium seating for Paint the Night? As of now I can’t find an option to make a reservation for any kind of Paint the Night dining package on 12/4. Any idea if that will be an option as we get closer to December? Many thanks! Beth

Napa Rose at the Grand Californian Hotel is fine dining. So is Steakhouse 55 at The Disneyland Hotel. If you want to stay in the parks, go with Blue Bayou at Disneyland or Carthay Circle at California Adventure. Enjoy!

Thanks for all the great information Casey. Is Disneyland open on Christmas Eve and Christmas day? I can’t seem to find anything saying it’s open or not. If it is open, do you know how heavy the crowds are on those days?

I just booked a trip from January 3-7. According to Disneyland’s website, the holiday season will be running through January 8th. I saw in this thread that you responded to someone and let her know that holidays would be still be in full swing, which is perfect! My question is: Do they still do the tree lightings each night? I read something somewhere else that was saying they only do the tree lightings until December 24th, but that didn’t really make sense to me if Christmas is still in full swing. I’d love to hear your experience with this. Thanks so much for helping us all to plan our magical trips!

I’m so sad, I was hoping we would catch both the end of Halloween and the beginning of Christmas like we did a few years back. We loved the snow after the show. I wanted to take my kids back so bad to see it. We are going to be there Nov 2-9 I guess that’s what you get when you have to plan your vacations in advance and they don’t put up a schedule of events until the month of. 🙁

We will, how can one not enjoy Disneyland?! Do you know when Dapperdays is going to be? I’m thinking we will avoid it with little kids.
Thanks for your blog and fb posts it really has been my goto for information. Best I have found! 🙂

Great advice, your enthusiasm shines through! Surprising my daughter on Dec 5 with day trip to the parks. Disneyland can’t say yet when the park will open, but I have to book flights ASAP. Do you know the average opening time of DL in December? Also, what time do the parades begin generally?

Hi Casey! Sorry if this has already asked but in terms of crowds – would it be less busy to go in November as soon as Christmas first starts in Disneyland? Or waiting a week or two? We don’t plan on going until next year so our dates will be completely flexible – but our son will only be two years old, so obviously the less crowded the better! Thank you!!

I love Christmas and love Disneyland, so I can’t wait to see the two together!

Hi! Do you know when the Grand Californian puts up the decorations?…tree, gingerbread house etc..have booked two reservations one for Nov 13-19 and one of Nov 27-dec 2. We usually stay the sunday of Thanksgiving weekend each year and everything is up, but the earlier dates works better for school..have been told hat the Grand does the decoratioms last and it will be closer to Thanksgiving…wondered if you had any insight? Love your articles! Thanka for the help 🙂

Since Holidays starts November 10, the hotels should be decorated along with that timing. I looked back at my notes and see that the gingerbread house was up by November 15, 2015, so that’s definitely a good sign since it’s such an integral part of the holiday decor at the Grand Californian Hotel. I think you’ll be just fine with your timing. Disney seems to move everything up a bit each year. 🙂

Thank you so much for getting back to me! I hope you’re right 🙂 that does help knowing last year the house was up early! I did ask someone in the hotel the other day and they said thanksgiving probably but that they did not really know for sure. I still have awhile before I need to cancel one of the reservations. Ill keep checking and see if I can nail down a definitive answer from conceierge or the front desk. Thanks again love your articles and Facebook page!

Hi! We are moving to SoCal and will be heading to DLR with our families (and a 3 year old, 1 year old, and 8 month old) for Thanksgiving and Christmas days! hahhaa Wondering if they have special food and where I should look to reserve? We will be staying at the Grand Californian for both holidays. We like fancy food and the girls are pretty used to that and enjoy the spectacle 🙂

Also – (sorry for all the questions) – our 3 year old will be turning 4 and her birthday is the same day as Mickey’s! Do they do anything special for that day at the parks? We are debating taking them (nov 18) then again the next week for Thanksgiving, but if it’s super special to have the same birthday as the Mouse, we will figure out a way to be there since we live so close. 🙂

Last question – do you know if they do anything special for Christmas morning etc? Or Christmas Eve? We haven’t booked those dates and if it’s just regular awesome then we might just go earlier that week when it might be less crowded.

Thank you again for any advice!!! I already bought the princess dresses you suggested and they are beautiful!! I am going to wrap it up for birthday presents/ Disney announcement! 🙂 And we will have birthday breakfast at Minnie’s to see all the characters! 🙂

We are moving to SoCal and will be heading to DLR with our families (and a 3 year old, 1 year old, and 8 month old) for Thanksgiving and Christmas days! hahhaa Wondering if they have special food and where I should look to reserve? We will be staying at the Grand Californian for both holidays. We like fancy food and the girls are pretty used to that and enjoy the spectacle. – As we get closer to the holidays, Disney will announce an option for Thanksgiving for sure. I’ll update this post and will share that option on Facebook.com/DLRPrepSchool as soon as I see it. Those reservations fill up fast, though, so book it as soon as you see it. Beyond a themed meal hosted by Disney, I highly recommend Napa Rose at the hotel you’re staying in. It’s lovely with a ‘fancy’ menu and unique food choices. More on that and other dining at the hotels here:

Also – (sorry for all the questions) – our 3 year old will be turning 4 and her birthday is the same day as Mickey’s! Do they do anything special for that day at the parks? We are debating taking them (nov 18) then again the next week for Thanksgiving, but if it’s super special to have the same birthday as the Mouse, we will figure out a way to be there since we live so close. – Nothing comes to mind for an actual birthday celebration or even acknowledgement. If I learn of anything, I’ll return to this post and let you know.

I can’t imagine the hotels not doing anything for Christmas Eve and morning, but I’m not recalling anything. I’m going to add this to my list for my next park visit and will let you know if I find anything you might be interested in. I visit once a week and share trip reports on Facebook. It’s a great place to stay connected. Feel free to ask again if you have any other questions!

Casey, THANK YOU SO MUCH!!! 🙂 Today the reservations opened up for Thanksgiving meals (nothing special for specific holiday dinners, just general reservations so far) – so I made the ones I could. The times went fast!! 🙂 Thank you for all of your help! I got your email, and you answered all of my questions for sure! THANK YOU!!! 🙂 I AM SO EXCITED!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!

We are planning a trip to Disneyland Nov 4 to 11 but we are flexible with our dates and could go a few days later (Nov 8 to 15 would be the latest). What do you recommend based on crowds and Christmas decor etc. We are coming from Edmonton Alberta Canada and this is a once in a lifetime trip for us so we want to make it super special for our 4 kids! We will buy a 5 day park hopper pass to enjoy the parks as much as we can.
Thank you for your help.

Crowds during your timing – either option – won’t be horrendous. Really just depends on how much holiday you want to see. The latter option will allow you to see more attractions, as two of the holiday ones will be closed for your first date option. I think you should go with the second. Enjoy!

Thank you very much for your help. We were thinking of Nov 4 to 11 because it would mean we would avoid being their the long weekend (we’d be traveling home on the 11th). But if you think the crowds will be ok then maybe we should come the later option so that we see more Christmas fun.
Which holiday attractions will be closed for the first option?
We also saw that their is some kind of Avengers super hero half marathon at Disney from Nov 10 to 13. We were worried that might bring in big crowds too.

Hi Casey! Thanks for all the great info! We’re arriving November 6th and leave on the 11th. Do you think the decorations will be up before the 10th? And will other holiday things (food, rides, etc.) possibly be available/going before then? I’m picturing us rushing around the parks on our last day to see and do as much as possible, which we can happily do, but would rather not. 🙂 Also, do you have any idea where Princess Elena will be? My five year old is SUPER excited she might be there when we are. Thanks so much!

Not sure of Elena’s location yet. I’ll update as soon as I know. Holiday immediately starts going up after Halloween is over, so you’ll see it develop each day you’re there. Treats and food don’t typically arrive early, but merchandise will. Enjoy!

I am so excited! We will be there from December 28-January 2! (5 days at the Disney parks, one day to go see the Wizards. ?)
I have so many questions, but this is a great help to begin with!

Even in that busiest time of year, do you think we can see everything we want to? I mean, we aren’t adding a 6th Disney day, but I want to be sure we can do as many rides as possible but still take in all of the other things!

Hey Casey! LOVE what you do and I thank you! I was wondering if the santa pictures have a year on them or if it says Disneyland/CA Adventure? Also how soon is santa available at the parks? Thank you for all you do! I’ve been following your posts for the past three years and my Disney vacations are better thanks to you!

Thank you, Camille. 🙂 The photos are standard PhotoPass images, so they don’t say anything and you won’t get print outs unless you purchase them at the photo shops. You will own the images with your PhotoPass One Day or One Week or Collection purchase and can print at home. Or if you want print outs, the shops will do that for you. They may be able to add a date with a cute border. Check out the PhotoPass post here for more on that:

Hi Casey,
We’re going to DLR from January 1-6. We’ve only been to the parks once before, years ago, and we’re super excited to see them done up for Christmas. Our flight arrives at 3pm. Would it be possible to get into either park on New Years Day or will they have reached capacity? Or should we just wait until January 2nd to start our park days? Thanks for this amazing site!

Great question. There are just a few days each year that reach capacity. NYE and New Years’s Day are good possibilities for it. However, tiered pricing and people not renewing APs could change that this season. I would plan on the 2nd just because I wouldn’t want to spend the money on so few hours in the park. But, we might have a better idea of capacity as we get closer to your timing. Feel free to contact me again in case I can give you a better estimate.

Hi Casey! I love everything about your blog – you have so much helpful information! I’m from Oregon and have been to Disneyland several times at Christmas time, but want to go at a non-Christmas time for a new experience. I planed a trip for January 3-7, 2017. Do you know if the Christmas music is still playing at that time? Are the decorations being taken down at that time, or is everything still in full ‘Christmas’ mode? Any inside info you have from the experience of being there that first week of January would be really really helpful!
Thank you!!
Joan

In 2016, Holidays officially ended on January 6. I’m expecting the same for 2017, give or take a few days. Until then, Holiday is in full swing – music, decor, attraction overlays, etc…..it’s all still Christmas. As soon as Disney announces the dates for this coming season, I’ll update this post with that information. Hopefully you can better plan then. Stay tuned! Usually happens early Fall.

Just a heads up, we went Jan 2015 (a few days after MLK day), and there was still some Christmas decorations up, and Small World was still Christmas ?? that was a happy surprise cuz I know it’s usually way done by then ?

We just got back from our first Disneyland vacation as a family of 4. It was our 5 year old and 2 year olds very first time. Your tips helped our 2 days (1 park per day) run so smoothly! Both the Hubby & I have the itch to go back ASAP & are currently planning to go back during Christmas time. I just want to thank you, again, for keeping this blog. I was already excited but after reading all the goodies and festivities that happen during the holidays, I MUST GO BACK!

Hi! Are there any rumors yet about when the Holiday season will start this year (2016-2017)? We are considering a visit from Nov 14-18. From the very first day of the holiday season, are all the decorations up and are parades/fireworks shown every day?

No timing mentioned yet. But the last two years included a start date of November 13. Nearly everything is up and running day 1, so you’ll be in good shape. Stay tuned for an update on this post as soon as I learn more!

First time visiting Disneyland park with my 2 yr old and i would like to see all the evening parades. Your site has been really useful by the way. I checked the times and available parades for Disneyland on their website and I’m confused between Disneyland Forever and Fireworks at Disneyland, are they the same? They both start at 9pm. Then there’s also the Paint the Night at 8:45 PM and will run for 40 minutes which will overlap with the Fantasmic (9PM) and fireworks.

Would you be able to clear this scheduling up? I would love to see all four of them plus the Fantasy parade. Thanks in advance!

Good question, Calvin. I’m not sure why Disney does this, but Disneyland Forever IS Fireworks at Disneyland.

Paint the Night and Fantasmic! usually overlap because Disney wants you to choose one or the other and then everyone watch fireworks. Which day are you visiting? I’ll try to find a way for you to see it all if I know the date.

9:00pm Fantasmic! (Grab FASTPASSES for reserved seating for this show on Big Thunder Ranch Trail in Frontierland in the morning. Then, stay where you are for the fireworks. You won’t have a good view of the castle but the projections happen over the Rivers of America on a water screen and you’ll have your own set of fireworks in addition to the large show.)

9:30pm Disneyland Forever Fireworks

So, I think you can do both. Regarding dressing princesses, put them in leggings and a long sleeve tshirt and then a simple play dress. Then, put their princess dress over the play dress. Have them wear boots if possible. Bring a sweater, too. I often bring my daughter a light scarf, too. Hope this helps!

Hi Casey! We’re taking the kids to DLR for the first time 27-29th December. We know we are crazy and the crowds will be chaos! I wish we had booked an onsite hotel, but we are staying close. We have restaurant reservations for WOC and Fantasmic fastpasses. We’ve identified our must see/must do’s and we’re not being too ambitious with the number of attractions. Mostly about Star Wars, Cars and soaking in the atmosphere and staying safe. The plan for Day 1 was to go early, do Star Wars , Space Mountain, Indiana Jones etc, take snacks with us, maybe ride the train, do the Sailing Ship Columbia. Then escape to the hotel for nap/hot tub/shower. Then return for dinner reservations and the evening entertainment. I’m worried though whether we would be able to get back into the park. What do you think? Then Day 2 I was thinking of having a hang at the hotel kind of morning and arrive for our lunch reservations, do the CA attractions and stay for WOC. Bad idea? Do we need to arrive early and stay all day late and then do it all again the next day?

Sounds like fun! I actually recommend arriving early, before park opening, and then taking a mid-day break. That way, you’ll avoid the crowds and get more done in the morning. The only issue you might encounter, however, is that the days you’re visiting will be super crowded and the park may reach capacity, which means that if you leave, you might not be allowed back in. So, keep that in mind for sure.

I would like to know if anything is added to the Character Dining experience during Christmas. Do the prices stay the same? Are the all characters in Christmas clothing? We are thinking of doing a character dining Christmas morning so I just wondered if I should expect a little extra magic.

We were at Disneyland Dec 3-7 and had two character breakfasts. Surf’s Up with Mickey was just standard beachwear, but Minnie was in her holiday outfit at the Plaza Inn. They also had an amazing Christmas tree set up inside the Plaza Inn!

We’ve only been to DLR once during Christmas and that was 5 years ago. We are really looking forward to bringing our 4 year old this time! Last time we were there, they had reindeer at Big Thunder Ranch. Any word on whether they will be there before the ranch shuts down? We would so love to see them again!

Also, had no idea about the candy canes! I plan on making that a priority as my little man will LOVE that!

Thank you so much for this awesome site! It has been hugely helpful in planning our trip. We are going at the beginning of December with a 2 month old and a 3 year old. We will have a 3 day park hopper and I just want some advice about the parades/entertainment. I read all about the parades that you posted and we plan to sit near small world for the first paint the night parade. But can you offer advice about when to see the Christmas parade? We will be there on December 10 and December 12 and looking at the schedule, the Christmas parade is way earlier than paint the night. So I don’t see how it would be reasonable to stay in our spots the entire time. Any tips there? We are planning to see Fantasmic one night, and Paint the Night the other night. When should we see the Christmas parade? And where should we sit? THANK YOU!

Hi. Love your blog and all the useful information. If you get a wristband for a candy cane, do they give you a specific time to come back or would you be able to get the candy cane immediately? Thank you.

Hi Casey! Love your blog; it is so helpful. I am planning a trip to Disneyland next year at around this time; do you suggest going the week before Thanksgiving? Will the Christmas decorations and events be up by then? Do you think it might be crowded?

I am at California Adventure today. They announced this morning that as of today, there are no more fast passes to meet Anna and Elsa. Your site has been invaluable and has made our trip so much better exclamation thank you!

Casey your website is amazing! Thanks so much for all this info. Using your 1 day plan for littles. Where would you fit in the christmas parade do you think? We are taking our girls 3 and 1 at the end of my husbands work trip. Going on 21 Nov from Australia. Thanks again!

The Christmas parade will be in the afternoon (not sure of the time yet). This will proceed Paint the Night, the nighttime parade that is shown at dark. Set up about an hour prior to what time of the day the parade starts for the time you’re visiting. I’ll have more information asap on timing and such as we get further into the season, but here is another post on parades to give you some ideas on where to sit and what each location has as far as advantages go:

Is Disneyland Santa just totally lame? We aren’t doing a park hopper this trip, and I thought it would be fun to add Santa since he would be included in the photopass. Our little guy will only be nine months old, so really it’s just a quick gratuitous trip for us to eat some Mickey shaped food and take cute pictures. Daddy would probably prefer waiting in line for Christmas pictures with Chewbacca anyway so if he’s lame we’ll just skip him. We’re thinking about Monday the 14th if that makes a difference. Thank you!

Not lame at all. But, I prefer the California Adventure version. It’s just more old school and feels like NYC Macy’s to me. Disneyland will be a different set up this year, too, as it won’t be in Big Thunder Ranch, but instead in Critter Country, so I don’t know exactly what to expect. Can’t hurt to walk by and check it out. I’ll have photos of him, too, asap.

Amazing. Im so excited. I was at disneyland 15 years ago for xmas but as 21 year old i didn’t stop to appreciate all the christmas things. Now taking my 9 and 7 year old this December I am so excited. 7 weeks till we leave Australia!

I’m thinking of taking the family to disneyland this Christmas seson. We always go in the summer so this will be the first time in December. What do we need to know the kids are 16 and 14 it’s all about the rides. What else should we look out for or do then.